Instant analysis: Lions on the board first 3-0

The 5-2 Minnesota Vikings face the 4-4 Detroit Lions at US Bank Stadium. Follow along throughout the game for quarter-by-quarter analysis.

First quarter

– The game opens with a quick pass out of the backfield to Matt Asiata. We should expect plenty of dump offs today if the Vikings are turning back to West Coast offense. The second play is a screen. Already Pat Shurmur’s influence showing through. Third play – tight end out of the backfield, a Chip Kelly wrinkle. Sorry for the cheap plug…I wrote about Pat Shurmur and the West Coast offense here:

– A throw a little behind Adam Thielen results in a punt. Every week there are opportunities to go for it on fourth down that the Vikings pass on. This time, fourth-and-three at midfield…

– Vikings start with their Nickel package, which we should expect to see for most of the day. Audie Cole was listed as the starter, but Chad Greenway was in and we also saw Emmanuel Lamur as well. Maybe a rotation?

– Xavier Rhodes is not shadowing a wide receiver this week as he did against Odell Beckham Jr.

– The Vikings get burned on a blitz as the Lions go to a delay and Theo Riddick breaks off a huge run. Huge hole up the middle as the Vikings sent a blitz from the linebackers.

– Anquan Boldin, still dangerous at 36, can’t bring in a pass over the middle and the Lions take a 3-0 lead.

– Sam Bradford completes a pass to himself and runs it for like five yards. Well, that’s weird.

– Last week Ronnie Hillman showed some burst but wasn’t used very often. He gains 14 on his first carry of the day.

– A penalty on third down by Cordarrelle Patterson for pass interference negates a conversion. Though Jerick McKinnon may not have gained the first down if not for the illegal block by Patterson. Another punt…

– It appears Captain Munnerlyn is headed to the locker room per the broadcast. That means the Vikings will have to juggle personnel. Mackensie Alexander in for a play on the second drive.

– Lamur in for another third down. Vikings forced a three-and-out.

– TJ Clemmings’ shortcomings show up on the VIkings’ third drive as he gets worked by the Lions, who get a hit on Bradford.

– Laquon Treadwell gets his first career catch – a big one, a first down conversion on third-and-long.